INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2021: 6 ways to get involved and celebrate from home
Whilst the past year may not have been the most amazing or productive for the majority of us, there has in fact still been some pretty incredible milestones in the women’s equality movement, and International Women’s Day (March 8th) gives us all the chance to celebrate women’s achievements this year and think about our own understanding of what it means to be female.
In December last year, Kamala Harris made triple history in the United States by becoming the first female, African-American AND South Asian vice-president - a significant step forward in American and global politics and a huge inspiration for women and girls internationally.
Similarly, a number of female led countries have been praised and recognised for their strong efforts at controlling the Covid spread, such as New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, Germany’s Angela Merkel and Taiwan’s Tsai Ingwen.
In November, Scotland made massive progress by becoming the first country to allow free menstrual products to all women, a pivotal step in the movement against period poverty!
These achievements deserve to be celebrated this IWD along with many others across the world and at home. Read on to find out how you can get involved at home and spread the wonder of the woman!
FOLLOW
@builtbygirls
Supporting women and girls to step into careers in technology
@bossbabe.inc
Community page providing support and resources for female led businesses
@iamthatgirl
Inspirational quotes, stories, and conversations
@makerswomen
Collection of real stories told by women from all over the world
@girlboss
Community uplifting women and redefining success
@the_female_lead
Education and recognition of women’s rights and the women’s movement for equality
@girlupcampaign
UN foundation seeking to unite females and encourage them to change the world
@morganharpernichols
Empowering and peaceful art & poetry
@womenshistory
History & education surrounding women’s rights and equality
@femalecollective
Collection of real female stories & positive quotes
@chicksforclimate
Community encouraging girls to get involved with environmental activism
@gurlstalk
Safe space for girls to talk and share their experiences with mental health
@officialwegotyouboo
Women’s network and a space to share knowledge and thoughts
@shealmightycollective
Community empowering women to be the best version of themselves
@thisgirlcanuk
Community supporting girls and women from all backgrounds to exercise and take part in sport
LISTEN
Spotify’s top female voices - www.newsroom.spotify.com/2020-03-04/this-international-womens-day-stream-the-top-female-voices-on-spotify/
Music Needs Women - Hot Hits UK -www.open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWY4lFlS4Pnso?si=1a01480148394b9a
101 songs to celebrate International Women’s Day -www.open.spotify.com/playlist/2MozFanFXTgBHmkrptiGK0?si=e6fb0afd3d7b4e18
90’s Girl Power Mixtape with Fearne Cotton - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000ssbl
Malala Yousafzai shares the soundtrack of her life - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000s84r
Call Your Girlfriend - www.callyourgirlfriend.com/episodes
Our Top Podcast Recommendations
www.mybreakfastbox.co.uk/podcast-recommendations
WATCH
The Glorias, Sky Documentaries
Sky original series tracing the story of legendary journalist, political activist and feminist Gloria Steinem from childhood to adulthood.
Self Made, Netflix
Inspiring and uplifting series based on the life of African American washerwoman, Madam C J Walker, as she forges a successful career in the beauty industry and becomes the first female self-made millionaire.
Homecoming, Netflix
Intimate documentary following female pop superstar Beyoncé throughout her 2018 Coachella performance, revealing the blood, sweat and tears that went into producing her incredible set.
Knock Down The House, Netflix
Extended US documentary that traces the path of four determined and ambitious women as they challenge politics for the race to Congress.
Hillary, Sky Documentaries
A deeply personal and intimate look at the highs and lows of the life of Hillary Clinton, former first lady and 2016 presidential candidate.
The Devil Wears Prada, Amazon Prime
Feel good, female-dominated movie based in the high stakes fashion magazine world, exploring the delicate balance between work, success, relationships and self-worth.
Dream Girls, Amazon Prime & Netflix
Inspiring and feel good American Broadway musical that follows the lives of three young, female, African-American singers as they make their name as musical superstars.
Justice For Joy, C4
Documentary examining the controversy surrounding the death of Joy Gardener in 1993, which initiated a massive public campaign for civil rights and justice.
Becoming, Netflix
Close look documentary capturing the life of former first lady Michelle Obama as she shares insights into her hopes, fears and dreams.
Kathy Burke’s All Women, C4
Kathy Burke interviews different celebrity women across the UK in this series that explores what being a woman really means, from motherhood to relationships and beauty.
READ
A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, Florence Given
Girl, Woman, Other, Bernadine Evaristo
Difficult Women, Helen Lewis
My Wild and Sleepless Nights, Clover Stroud
MORE READING:
www.waterstones.com/campaign/international-womens-day-2021
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/recommended-reads-for-international-womens-day
www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2020/mar/best-books-international-womens-day-2020.html
ENGAGE
UN and UN Women - International Women’s Day 2021
Monday 8 March, 3pm
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyOOQ_6L-2I
UN Women - A Global History of Women’s Rights (in 3 minutes)
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_UjYOfmkn8
The WOW Foundation
Monday 8 March, all day
www.thewowfoundation.com/events/iwd-at-wow
All month
www.thewowfoundation.com/festival/wow-uk-2021/line-up
Royal Opera House - Insights: Influence, challenge, and change: What next for women in the creative industries?
Monday 8 March, 7pm
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C79Ucfbz6c
Museum of London - Votes For Women
Virtual Exhibition
www.virtualexhibitions.museumoflondon.org.uk/votes-for-women/
SUPPORT
Female Led Entrenpeuers
5 easy ways to support local female owned businesses:
Tag, like and share on social media to help spread the word around your network, leave reviews and positive comments
Make purchases if you can or recommend to friends and family
Contact the owner through direct messaging or email to let them know you support them and that they are doing a great job!
Suggest, tag and list helpful resources on their page and images that will direct them to useful resources and organisations that support female entrenpenrues (some examples listed below!)
Join a female entrepreneur organisation yourself to show your support and help to fund their mission
Female Entrepreneurship Communities
She Can, She Did - www.shecanshedid.com
Hatch Enterprise - www.hatchenterprise.org
Driven Woman - www.driven-woman.com
WiRE - www.wireuk.org
Blooming Founders - www.bloomingfounders.com
Your own network
Text, email, facetime or tag an important female in your life who you maybe haven’t see for a while and remind them why you admire them or are inspired by them - a small act means a lot and there is no better way to empower women within your own network than by voicing your support, appreciation, praise and respect.